BROOKFIELD -
Paul Bugenhagen is not anxious about returning to Vietnam, the
country where he celebrated his 25th birthday while serving in the
U.S. Army from 1970 to 1971.
He’s just curious to see what remains of the areas he remembers
from his time spent there during the Vietnam War.
"It’s a beautiful country," Bugenhagen, 63, said.
In talking to other Vietnam veterans, Bugenhagen found that most
would not even consider a return trip to Vietnam. But for him, the
upcoming 17-day trip will be a chance to show his wife, Dorothy,
areas he saw so many years ago and take in the sights and sounds of
a country he was not able to explore very much at that time.
"I’ve talked to a few people that have gone back," he
said. "People are apprehensive. We were at war with this
country. But it was 40 years ago. People go to Germany and England
all the time."
For
full story, go to Wednesday's electronic version of The Freeman. Click
here to access the electronic version.
Caley Clinton can be reached at cclinton@conleynet.com
